The Rescue of Jerusalem: The Alliance Between Hebrews and Africans in 701 BC

by Henry T. Aubin

Two other recent American commentaries on Amos state similar opinions, one going so far as to say that the passage “serves to desacralize Israel.”12 This consensus view that the verse casts Kushites as contemptible or lowly is simply missing its point. In equating Israelites and Kushites, the biblical writer is not putting Israelites down. Other interpretations present themselves. One is that the comparison is neutral. Today someone might say to Americans, “Why should God look out for the United States’ interests any more than, say, Mexico’s? Or Japan’s?” That would not necessarily imply contempt toward those countries. Another possibility—or likelihood—is that the comparison reflects on the Israelites in a manner that is actually quite positive. Far-fetched? Let’s see.